April 1st begins a month I love and know I am going to be absolutely immersed in this time around: National Poetry Month/National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo).
There are plenty of beautiful events and more importantly, there's the 30/30.
The 30/30 is when a poet takes on the challenge of writing 30 poems in 30 days. They are shared on blogs, Facebook, in groups, or kept to themselves. It ends dry spells, pushes limits, breaks open gems, and brings curious readers and poets alike to your work. It's a beautiful thing!
I've been participating in the 30/30 since 2009. First couple of years, it was easy and fun. As I continued, it became a challenge to find time and one year, I couldn't complete it. Though I don't think anyone but a few loyal friends really look at my blog during this time, I was disappointed in myself. I got through the challenge last year, but there was so much pressure and I barely remember the thrill of it.
It wasn't fun anymore.
As it slowly approached this year, I was weighing my options: Do I try again this year, know my time is limited? OR Do I change it up for myself?
Let the change begin!
Instead of writing 30 poems everyday, I am going to just do something relating to the nature of poetry everyday.
I will write. I will read. I will share. I will participate and go to events. Yes, being a poet - poetry is about writing poetry. But poetry is always discovering the poems of others by reading and listening. Poetry is about history of the skin and the reaction to words. It's not just about what the poet can do with their pen. We have to support each other through feedback and sharing everything.
So how are we going to start sharing a life of poetry? Check out my next post in a little while!